United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

Seal of the United States Senate

United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

The United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) is a standing committee of the United States Senate. The committee has broad jurisdiction over the nation's health care, education, employment, and retirement policies. It is one of the most influential committees in the Senate due to its wide-ranging impact on American society.

History

The HELP Committee was originally established in 1869 as the Committee on Education. Over the years, its jurisdiction expanded, and it underwent several name changes. In 1999, it was renamed the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions to reflect its broader scope.

Jurisdiction

The HELP Committee oversees a wide array of issues, including:

• Health care policy and public health
• Education policy, including higher education and elementary and secondary education
• Labor issues, including workplace safety, wage standards, and employment discrimination
• Pensions and retirement security

Subcommittees

The HELP Committee is divided into several subcommittees, each focusing on specific areas within its jurisdiction. These subcommittees include:

• Subcommittee on Children and Families
• Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety
• Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security

Membership

The committee is composed of Senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties. The membership is determined by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and reflects the party composition of the Senate.

Notable Legislation

The HELP Committee has been instrumental in the passage of significant legislation, including:

• The Affordable Care Act
• The No Child Left Behind Act
• The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Current Leadership

As of 2023, the committee is chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) serving as the Ranking Member.

See Also

• United States House Committee on Education and Labor
• United States Senate Committee on Finance
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• United States Department of Education
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration